Opera in three actsLibretto by Meredith Oakes after the play of the same name, The Tempest (1610/1611) by William Shakespeare
World premiere February 10th 2004 Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London

Sung in english with german surtitles
Duration: c. 2 1/2 hours incl. one interval after c. 75 minutes

About the Piece

The work begins in a storm. English composer Thomas Adès’ music is stormy too, appropriating ideas from all of England’s greats. ...

The work begins in a storm. English composer Thomas Adès’ music is stormy too, appropriating ideas from all of England’s greats. Meredith Oakes deals with Shakespeare’s play in a similarly fresh and fearless way: »the skeleton remains, the skin is regenerated and something completely original is born.« (Keith Warner) This »skeleton« is the story of the sorcerer Prospero: he and his daughter Miranda have been living stranded on an island since his brother Antonio’s betrayal almost cost them their lives. His magic has enabled him to gain power over Ariel, a spirit of the air, and Caliban, the wild son of a witch. Against her will, but loyal to her master, Ariel ensures that Antonio, the King of Naples and his son Ferdinand are ship-wrecked on the island. Prospero’s magic powers were intended to bring about repentence but he had not reckoned with the love between the Prince and Miranda, which destroys his magic and brings about peace between the enemies. Caliban, the barbarian, regains control over his kingdom and, in this version of the Elizabethan play, has the last word.

Synopsis

Prospero and his daughter Miranda have been living on an island since his brother Antonio stole his title, the Duke of Milan. The ...

Prospero and his daughter Miranda have been living on an island since his brother Antonio stole his title, the Duke of Milan. The other inhabitants are Caliban, son of the witch Sycorax, and Ariel, a spirit of the air. Prospero summons a storm to sink a passing ship. Ariel is ordered to ensure that the survivors, Antonio, the King of Naples and his son Ferdinand among them, reach the shore. The King fears that his son is lost but they set out to look for him. Meanwhile, Prospero had ordered Ariel to lure Ferdinand to him, but he had not reckoned with his daughter falling in love with him. King Alonso and the others are so tired they can hardly walk. They believe Ferdinand must have perished and that they will soon meet the same fate. King Alonso names Gonzalo as his heir, thereby disinheriting his brother Sebastian. Ariel’s music makes everyone fall asleep except Antonio and Sebastian, who decide to murder the King and Gonzalo and crown Sebastian king. Ariel conjures up a banquet: Gonzalo takes this as a sign of goodwill from heaven. The feast vanishes. Ariel appears as a harpy, accusing them of their crimes. Filled with fear, they await a terrible death. Prospero realises that he has brought hell to the island. Miranda and Ferdinand tell him of their love. He calls for Ariel to bless them. He has had his revenge. Caliban appears, demanding Miranda and the island. Miranda tells him how hateful he is to her. Ariel’s emotional description of King Alonso and Antonio’s fear moves Prospero so much that he decides to release them all, Ariel included. Prospero reveals his identity. The King asks for forgiveness and offers Prospero his dukedom back. Ferdinand and Miranda announce that they are a couple, to the astonishment of the King and courtiers. Prospero renounces his powers and asks the spirit to stay with him. But Ariel chooses freedom. She and Caliban are left alone on the island.